Foam core cosmetic case

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic product may include a base formed at least partially of foam and a cover also formed at least partially of foam. A hinge may connect the base and the cover, and the hinge may also be formed of foam. At least one recess may be formed in the base, the recess for surrounding and containing a cosmetic composition. Portions of the foam may be covered with a fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, or imitation animal skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to methods, combinations, apparatuses, andsystems for establishing a marketing link between multiple related andunrelated products. In one example, the invention may be used to promotethe sale of a cosmetic product through the sale of a non-cosmeticproduct (e.g., clothing), or vice versa.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Although the invention, in its broadest sense, is not limited tocosmetics and clothing, this patent uses the cosmetics-clothing examplefor purposes of conveying to the reader some of the principles of theinvention.

[0005] Cosmetics and clothing are typically not sold together. In adepartment store, the points of sale for perfumes, mascaras, lipsticks,powders, and other cosmetics products often occur in a cosmeticsdepartment, while the points of sale for women's clothing, for example,are often in a women's clothing department. Stand-alone storesspecializing in clothing sales typically do not have a cosmeticsdepartment, while stand alone cosmetic stores typically do not sellfashion clothing. As a result, cosmetics and clothing are nottraditionally marketed together. Thus, even for companies thatmanufacture clothing and cosmetic lines, the realities of the retaildistribution chain can make it difficult to cross-market products.

SUMMARY OF A FEW ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One aspect of the invention may involve a cosmetic product and anon-cosmetic product. Both may have a visible portion chosen fromfabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin, and imitation animal skin,such that they have appearances resembling each other. At least one ofthe products is preferably sold.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a notification isprovided to consumers to advise them of an existence of a matchingproduct. The cosmetic product can be any cosmetic product (e.g., makeupproduct or care product), and the non-cosmetic product can be virtuallyany product (e.g., clothing). The cosmetic and non-cosmetic product canbe distributed under differing brand name(s) or trademarks, or may bedistributed under the same name(s) or mark(s).

[0008] According to one aspect, a marketing link may be establishedbetween the two products. In one sense it may be the notificationmentioned above; in another sense, it may be that the aesthetictrademarks of the products are sufficiently similar that an ordinary oreducated consumer would associate them with one another. The marketinglink may be a label, sign, advertisement or provisional displayassociated with one or more of the products. Each product may besupplied by related or unrelated parties, and where appropriate awritten or oral agreement may exist between the parties. The marketinglink might also involve a promotional give-away, coupon, or internetcampaign.

[0009] As described hereafter, other aspects of the invention exist, forexample, in details of exemplary cosmetic and non-cosmetic productconstructs, as well as the details of the cross-marketing schemesdescribed. Thus, the summary of a few aspects of the invention is not tobe interpreted as defining the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a first cosmetic case in accordancewith an embodiment to the invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a second embodiment of a cosmeticcase;

[0012]FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the first cosmetic case of FIG. 1,with an open cover;

[0013]FIG. 4 is an oblique view of the second cosmetic case of FIG. 2,with an opened cover;

[0014]FIG. 5A is a side view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 5B is cross-sectional view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 6A is a side view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 6B is cross-sectional view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 2;

[0018] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate various examples of clothing and cosmeticproducts sharing similar aesthetic properties in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0019] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate other examples of cosmetic and clothingproducts sharing similar aesthetic features in accordance with theinvention;

[0020] FIGS. 9-15 illustrate various additional examples of productssharing similar aesthetic features in accordance with the invention;

[0021]FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate cosmetic product manufacturing processin accordance with the present invention; and

[0022]FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic example of a screen displayassociated with an electronic network, wherein the screen display isarranged to convey information relating to customizing the appearance ofa cosmetic product.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0023] One exemplary method of the invention includes making available acosmetic product defining at least one internal region configured tosurround and contain at least one cosmetic composition. In accordancewith this embodiment, the cosmetic product may include a container forcontaining a cosmetic composition (e.g., a makeup or care product)chosen from perfumes, colognes, lipsticks, mascaras, lip-glosses,blushes, rouges, eye liners, foundations, powders, powder cakes, nailvarnishes, eye shadows, and concealers, for example. The container maybe made and shaped in conventional and unconventional ways, since, inits broadest sense, the invention is not limited to any particularcontainer construction. Thus, by way of example only, compact cases 100and 140 are respectfully illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate each compact case 100 and 140 with respective covers 102 and142 opened with respect to bases 104 and 144. In FIG. 3, cosmetic powdercakes 106 and 108 are respectively located within internal regions orrecesses 110 and 112 in base 104. Powder cakes 106 and 108 could be indirect contact with the portion of case 100 defining recesses 110 and112, or alternatively, trays or other intermediate structures containingpowder cakes 106 and 108 could be located (fixedly or removably) inrecesses 110 and 112. The recesses are configured to surround andcontain powder cakes 106 and 108. Analogously, as illustrated in FIG. 4,powder cake 146 is surrounded and contained within recess 148 in base144. As used herein, references to material surrounding the cosmeticcomposition are to be understood to include the alternatives of directlysurrounding the cosmetic substance, or surrounding a carrier or tray inwhich the cosmetic substance is contained.

[0024] Each of the illustrated cosmetic compacts may contain additionalaccoutrements. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, recess 114 in base104 removably holds cosmetic applicator 116 having an applicator portion117 configured to be loaded with the cosmetic composition, and ahandling portion 119 configured to be grasped by a user. Similarly,recess 118 in cover 102 holds a mirror 120. If the invention is embodiedin a method that involves mascara, nail varnish, or other liquidcosmetics, the cosmetic product may include a region configured in theform of a reservoir capable of containing a liquid cosmetic composition,and, optionally, also an applicator stored in the region.

[0025] In FIG. 3, an elongated flexible closure mechanism 122 extendsfrom base 104 and includes a snap 124 on a distal end thereof. The snap124 fastens to a corresponding snap component 125 located on cover 102,when cover 102 is in a closed position, such as is illustrated in FIGS.1 and 5B.

[0026] Similarly, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6A and 6B, a closureincludes a fastener, the components of which are mounted on the coverand base. As illustrated in FIG. 4, first snap component 150 is locatedon base 144, and a second snap component 152 is located on cover 142. Asbest illustrated in FIG. 6B, portions of each snap component 150 and 152are embedded in the material of the cover 142 and the base 144.

[0027] The closure mechanisms are illustrated as exemplary only, and mayinclude any type of fastening device including magnets, Velcro, latches,détentes, or any other type of mechanical closure mechanism.

[0028] One exemplary method of the invention also involves makingavailable a non-cosmetic product. In accordance with this embodiment,the non-cosmetic product may be any good that is not traditionallyconsidered a cosmetic. Examples include shoes, jackets, skirts, dresses,slacks, pants, socks, shirts, blouses, bathing suits, suits, ties,undergarments, hats, and any other clothing article. Further examples ofnon-cosmetic products include purses, belts, bags, scarves, jewelry,watches, hair accessories, headbands, hair clips, barrettes, hairscrunches, and any other fashion accessory. Non-cosmetic products mayalso include sporting goods and sporting goods equipment carriers suchas golf accessories, golf bags, rackets, and racket bags. Additional thenon-cosmetic products may include luggage, car seats, towels, beddingitems, sheets, blankets, toiletry bags, and other household goods. Theabove listings are not intended to be inclusive, it being understoodthat non-cosmetic products, as used herein, is intended to cover anyproduct that is not a cosmetic.

[0029] An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes “makingavailable” both the cosmetic and non cosmetic products. As used herein,the term “making available” refers to one or more of manufacture,manufacturer's distribution, wholesale distribution, retaildistribution, promotional distribution, and other forms of distribution,sale, or provision. The term “making available” also refers to thedisplay of a product, whether it be through promotional display,electronic commerce display, or point of sale notifications. An entitymay make a product available if that entity cooperates with another whodirectly or indirectly distributes, sells, promotes or advertises aproduct. Thus, for example, a cosmetic product may be made available bya clothing manufacturer if the clothing manufacturer enters into anagreement or otherwise cooperates with the cosmetic manufacturer wherebyeach manufactures and distributes their own product to the benefit ofthe other, as is discussed in more detail below.

[0030] The first exemplary embodiment of the invention, in its broadestsense, does not necessarily require that the cosmetic and non-cosmeticproducts be provided in the same way. For example, retail distributionmay be used for the cosmetic product while promotional distribution maybe used for the non-cosmetic product. One product may be sold in a brickand mortar store, while the other might be made available throughelectronic commerce.

[0031] In accordance with an exemplary method of the invention, both thecosmetic product and the non-cosmetic product may have a visible portioncomprising a first material chosen from fabric, facsimile of fabric,animal skin, and imitation animal skin. The term “fabric” generallyrefers to any woven material including fibers, any non-woven materialincluding fibers, and, in its broadest sense, even sheet-like materialslacking fibers, for example. The term “facsimile of fabric” includes anytype of material having a visual appearance made to resemble a fabric.The term “animal skin” includes animal hides, such as leather, or anyanimal fur. The term “imitation animal skin” includes any type ofmaterial having a visual appearance resembling animal skin, such asimitation leather or imitation animal fur or materials containing imagesof the same such as through printing or other techniques.

[0032] As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7A, a non-cosmetic productsuch as garment 160 includes an outer fabric with a pattern 162 thereon.The pattern 162 may be woven, printed, provided by appliqué, or providedin any conventional or non-conventional manner. A replica 162′ ofpattern 162 may be reproduced on cosmetic case 140 as illustrated inFIG. 7B. The replica 162′ may be a facsimile of fabric 162, such as maybe provided through various printing techniques, or pattern 162′ may beprovided by using the same fabric on cosmetic case 140 as is used ingarment 160.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, two products are saidto either resemble each other or share similar aesthetic properties.This terminology is used herein to be inclusive of the gamut ofsimilarities—from products that convey similar visual themes, tosimulations, to precise identity. FIG. 7 is illustrative. FIGS. 7A and7B are intended to convey the notion that precisely the same fabric maybe used on two separate products, such that the visual aestheticproperties of at least portions of the two products are substantiallyidentical. FIG. 7C illustrates a diagonal band of pattern on garment 182similar to the pattern on the cosmetic case illustrated in FIG. 7B.Similarly, FIG. 7D reproduces a smaller portion of the pattern ongarment 184. In FIGS. 7E and 7F, various configurations of similarpatterns are illustrated on cosmetic cylinder 186 and fragrance bottle188. Thus, while the representations of FIGS. 7A-7F each represent avisible aesthetic property in different manners, within the context ofthe invention, all of the representations illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7F areto be considered as resembling each other and sharing similar aestheticproperties.

[0034] Importantly, precise identity is not required. Rather, the firstmaterial used on the non-cosmetic product and the second material usedon the cosmetic product may only appear to resemble each other. Forexample, the first material and the second material may have appearancesresembling each other in one or more of color, pattern, texture, ortheme. Thus, the pattern of the fabric of garment 170 in FIG. 9A is notnecessarily precisely the same as the pattern of the fabric of cosmeticcase 180 in FIG. 9D. Nevertheless, the two have appearances resemblingeach other and are therefore within the scope of the invention.

[0035] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the resemblingmaterials on the cosmetic product and the non-cosmetic product do notnecessarily need to cover a substantial visible portion of the product.For example, in FIG. 7C, the fabric pattern is merely a band of fabricon garment 182. In FIG. 8D, a small appliqué of fabric is applied in onelocation on garment 184. FIG. 7E illustrates a cosmetic cylinder 186such as a lipstick or mascara container, with the pattern replicated ina vertical band. Similarly, in FIG. 7F, a perfume or cologne container188 is illustrated with the pattern replicated in a diagonal band.

[0036]FIG. 8A illustrates a garment 190 having a fur or faux fur accentalong edges thereof. Either the same fur, or a simulation of the samefur may be provided on a cosmetic case 192 such as illustrated in FIG.8B, or on a cosmetic tube 194, as illustrated in FIG. 8C. Other animalskins such as leather may also be used. Again, the concept is not thatthe two products necessarily have the identical appearance, but ratherthat they convey a similar visual theme so that consumers are likely toassociate the two products with each other. FIGS. 9-15 illustrate a fewother examples of products that resemble each other, sharing similarvisible aesthetic properties.

[0037] In accordance with the invention, one of the non-cosmetic productand the cosmetic product may be offered for sale. The offer for sale maybe made via a manufacturer, a distributor, a reseller, a wholesaler, ora retailer. The cosmetic and non-cosmetic products may be offered forsale alone in the same or separate locations, or may be offered for saleas an ensemble.

[0038] The invention may also include establishing a marketing linkbetween the cosmetic and the non-cosmetic product. The marketing linkmay take one of a number of forms. For example, one or moremanufacturers or distributors of the cosmetic and non-cosmetic productsmay arrange to provide at the point of sale, information to thepurchaser of at least one of the cosmetic and non-cosmetic product, theinformation advising the purchaser of an existence of a matching otherproduct. In this way, the consumer receiving the information may bemotivated to purchase the other matching article. The informationprovided to the consumer as part of the marketing link, may include anoffer for purchase of the other product at a reduced price, or mayinclude an incentive to purchase one product, and thereby receive theother product free of charge. The marketing link may include a couponfor the purchase of the other product.

[0039] Alternatively, although not mutually exclusive of any othermechanism, the marketing link may include an advertising campaign thatrefers to the cosmetic and the non-cosmetic product within a singleadvertisement. The advertisement may take the form of printed ads,signs, mailings, fliers, product labels, e-mail, website pages, webcasts, audio broadcasts, analogue and digital video broadcast,television and radio broadcasts and promotional displays. Preferably,the advertisement advises the consumer of the existence of matchingcosmetic and non-cosmetic products, to thereby explicitly or implicitlyencourage the consumer to purchase both products.

[0040] The marketing link may include labels associated with one or moreof the products. For example, labels may be secured to the product orthe product packaging to thereby notify a consumer of a matchingproduct. Alternatively, the manufacturer, distributor or other sellermay provide a display sign to be posted at the point of sale, notifyingthe consumer of a matching product. As another alternative, themanufacturer/distributor/seller may provide notification to purchasersby directing them to a website or other electronic location containingfurther information about matching products.

[0041] The notification may include an incentive to the purchaser toobtain the other product. The incentive may include a coupon or otheroffer to obtain the product at a discounted price. The marketing linkmay include an offer to sell the other product at a reduced price, or anoffer to provide the other product free of charge as an incentive topurchase the first product.

[0042] In an even broader sense, the marketing link may simply be thatthe two products employ a visual aesthetic property that is sufficientlyunique to the two products that an ordinary or educated consumer whoviews the two products either side-by-side and/or at different times maybe inclined to make a visual connection between the two products.

[0043] The matching products need not necessarily be sold under the samebrand name. For example, the cosmetic product may be sold under a firstbrand name or trademark such as L'Oreal, while the non-cosmetic productmay be sold under a second brand name of trademark, such as RalphLauren. Alternatively, the two products could be sold and/or distributedunder single brand name or trademark, or under a plurality of brandnames or trademarks whether they be commonly owned or owned by differententities in cooperation with each other. Brand marks may be contained onthe product itself, on the product packaging, or may be omitted from theproduct and may be otherwise associated with the product at the point ofsale.

[0044] The cosmetic and non-cosmetic product may be sold in a physicalretail establishment or over an electronic network, such as theInternet. The products may both be sold in the same store, in differentdepartments within the same store, or in different stores. Similarly,the products may be sold on the same Internet website, differentportions of the same website, or different websites altogether.Alternatively, one product may be offered in a physical store while theother may be offered in an electronic forum.

[0045] While the various figures illustrate the first and secondmaterials located on an external portion of cosmetic and non-cosmeticproducts, in its broadest sense, the invention is not so limited.Rather, it may be sufficient for the material to be located on a nonexternal portion of the product visible to the consumer. For example,the material may be located on the inside of a cosmetic case visiblewhen the cosmetic case is opened.

[0046] From another perspective, the invention involves making availabledifferent products with similar visible aesthetic properties. Thevisible aesthetic property may include any treatment recognizable to theconsumer, which the consumer would then associate with another productcontaining a similar treatment. The visible aesthetic property may takethe form of fabric patterns, color patterns, fur, faux fur, embossing,printing, silk screening, appliqués, stickers, or any other mechanismcapable of conveying a visual property. Similar aesthetic properties maybe achieved with differing mechanisms, for example, on one product, theaesthetic property may take the form of a fabric pattern or fur, whileon a matching product the fabric pattern or fur may be reproduced with aprinting technique.

[0047] The invention may include cooperating with a purveyor of clothingto enable distribution of a clothing product having a visible aestheticproperty similar to the visible aesthetic property of the cosmeticproduct, and to thereby promote distribution of at least one of saidproduct through distribution of the other of said products. In mostinstances, by simply cooperating to incorporate similar visibleaesthetic properties in two products and by making consumers aware ofthe same, promotion will inherently occur. Nevertheless, as embodiedherein, the cooperating may involve varying parties and may takediffering forms. For example, the purveyors of the different productsmay be separate, unrelated companies, may be related companies, or maybe separate groups within the same company. The mechanism forcooperating may range from a formal written agreement to an informaloral understanding. And the extent of the cooperation may run the gamutfrom a fully integrated joint marketing/promotional campaign to a looseunderstanding that each entity will employ a similar visible aestheticproperty in its respective product(s), regardless of the fact that theproducts may or may not be sold together, and may or may not be soldunder the same brand name or trademark. The fact that the two purveyorscooperate, inherently enables each to distribute a product withaesthetic properties similar to that of the other's.

[0048] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, amethod may include notifying a purchaser of the cosmetic product and/orthe clothing product about the existence of the other of the cosmeticproduct and the clothing product, the notification advising thepurchaser that the cosmetic product and the clothing product havesimilar aesthetic properties. As embodied herein, the purchaser may beprovided with the notification through any one of the mechanismsdiscussed earlier including, but not limited to, product labels, ordisplays that may be provided by the manufacturer and displayed to thepurchaser at the point of sale. For example, the manufacturer may attachlabels to the product thereby providing the purchaser with notification.Alternatively, the manufacturer/distributor may provide notification tothe purchaser by providing point of sale display signs to the retailer.

[0049] While the invention is discussed in connection with cosmetic andnon-cosmetic products, in its broader sense, as mentioned earlier, theinvention is not so limited, and may even include using a common visibleaesthetic property to promote sales of functionally unrelated products(e.g., products that are not typically used to further the samefunction). As with the previous example, the purveyor(s) of the firstand second products may incorporate a common visible aesthetic propertyinto the products with the intention of causing consumers who view oneof the products to visually associate them with each other. Further, thepurveyor(s) of the first and second products might notify consumers whopurchase at least one of the products of the existence of the otherproduct. The concepts discussed in connection with previous embodimentsapply equally to this embodiment and therefore are not repeated.

[0050] Depending on how the invention is embodied, it may assistpurveyors of two different products to obtain access to the other'smarket niche. For example, a first brand name manufacturer may be ableto increase market share by using the invention to cooperate withanother manufacturer who is not necessarily a competitor. This mayprovide a win-win situation since the cooperation between two companieswho may not directly compete with each other may allow each company topromote the other's product(s) without posing a risk to existing marketshare.

[0051] While the precise construction of the cosmetics container is notlimiting to the invention in its broader sense, in one embodiment, thecosmetics container may be made of a foam covered by another material.Examples are illustrated in cross-section in FIGS. 5B and 6B where foammaterial 101 and 141 are respectively covered by fabric material 103 and143.

[0052] Various foams and covering materials may be used, and therefore,the mention of particular materials herein is not intended to limit theinvention in its broadest sense. By way of example, the foam may bepolyethylene, polyurethane or polystyrene, and the covering material maybe a material such as lycra. The fabric may be bonded to the foammaterial by heat and/or glue. Alternatively, the foam may not be coveredat all, or may simply be imprinted or embossed with a visual aestheticproperty.

[0053] Depending on construction, a foam core may enable certainfeatures. For example, foam may protect the contents of the containerfrom breakage. Foam may also be lighter than other materialstraditionally used for cosmetic cases, enabling a weight savings in handbags or purses.

[0054] To manufacture a foam core cosmetics container, a blank 300 maybe inserted into a molding device 302, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Theblank 300 may be an uncovered piece of foam, or a piece of foam coveredon one or both sides with an aesthetic material such as fabric,facsimile of fabric, animal skin, or imitation animal skin. Asillustrated by way of example in FIG. 16, foam core 304 is covered oneach side with fabric layers 306.

[0055] In FIG. 16, a die 308 is positioned on one side of the blank 300and a mating shaping member 310 on the other. As reflected by the arrow312 in FIG. 16, the die 308 and shaping member 310 move together formingthe cosmetic container by pressure. Depending on the materials used,heat may be applied to the die and/or the shaping member to aid in theformation process. When the die 308 and shaping member 310 separate asindicated by the arrow 314 in FIG. 17, the finished product 316 isrevealed, the edges of which may require trimming to remove excessmaterial (not illustrated in FIG. 17.)

[0056] During the molding process described above, the molding materialsare subjected to deforming pressure. Therefore, depending on the amountof deformation required, it may be beneficial to employ a fabricstretchable in multiple directions without tearing. Lycra is an exampleof one such fabric.

[0057] The shaping member/die may be configured to form one or morerecesses in the foam (or material covered foam). One such recess may beconfigured to contain and surround a cosmetic composition. The cosmeticcomposition may be, for example, in powder cake form, such as a blush orrouge. The powder cake may itself be contained within a tray to preventdamage to the cake, and the cosmetic composition so configured mayitself be surrounded by and contained within a recess in the foam. Sucha construction not only may provide favorable aesthetics, but may alsoserve to protect the cosmetic product from damage.

[0058] Similarly, a recess may be provided to contain a mirror. As withthe recess for the cosmetics composition, the mirror recess may surroundthe edges of a mirror embedded therein. This too may protect the mirrorfrom breakage and may provide a favorable aesthetic quality to thecosmetic case.

[0059] A further recess may be provided as a holder for a cosmeticapplicator. The recess may be sized to enable the applicator to beeasily removed for use, and stored in the recess when not in use.Applicator details are discussed earlier in connection with FIGS. 3 and4.

[0060] As also discussed previously, the cosmetic product may include abase and a cover (such as cover 102 and base 104 in FIG. 3). When formedof foam material, base and cover may be molded together from a singleblank 300. The die/shaping member may be configured to form a thinnedregion between the cover and the base to serve as a hinge. In such aninstance, the hinge may be covered with the covering material 306.Alternatively, the base and cover may be molded separately and laterconnected to each other.

[0061] After the molding process is complete, a closure mechanism may beadded. For example, male and female ends of a snap may be embeddedwithin lips of the cover and base so that in a closed position, thecover and base snap together (see, e.g., elements 150 and 152 in FIG.4). Alternatively, and as illustrated by way of example in connectionwith FIG. 3, an elongated closure mechanism 122 may be formed during themolding process and used to carry one half of a snap 124 or anotherclosure mechanism, such as those discussed previously. The elongatedclosure mechanism is illustrated as being fixedly connected to the base104. However, it could alternatively be fixedly connected to the cover102.

[0062] The manufacture of foam products is discussed, for example, inFrench Patent Publication FR 2674183-A1, dated Mar. 21, 1991, thetechnical disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, foam core article construction is discussed in concurrentlyfiled U.S. provisional application entitled, “Device For Applying aProduct Such as a Cosmetic or Care Product” [Attorney Docket No.05725.6034], the technical disclosure of which is also incorporatedherein by reference. In addition to die based molding processes,injection molding processes or other processes for forming or shapingfoam may also be used in connection with the invention. Thus, theinvention, in its broadest sense, is not restricted to a particularmanufacturing process.

[0063] The location and number of recesses within the foam container maybe a matter of design choice. For example, multiple recesses may beformed to contain differing cosmetic compositions, differingapplicators, or for other uses. In addition, where appropriate, recessesmay be omitted for an applicator or mirror.

[0064] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a method isprovided for enabling a consumer to customize the appearance of acosmetic product container. The method includes supplying informationregarding a plurality of differing cosmetic compositions so that aconsumer may select a specific cosmetic composition to be applied to anexternal body portion, such as the skin and/or hair. For example, theinformation might include a first set of information regardingparticular groups of products, such as eye shadows, nail varnishes,blushes, mascaras, etc., a second set of information regardingparticular brand names associated with sets of products available foreach of the product groupings, and a third set of information regardingthe specific products (e.g., particular colors and/or shades) availablefor each brand of product sets.

[0065] Information may be received regarding the cosmetic compositionselected by the consumer, and the consumer may supplied with informationregarding a plurality of differing visible aesthetic properties so thata consumer may select a visible aesthetic property to be located on acontainer for the selected cosmetic composition. Once informationregarding the selected aesthetic property is received, activity takesplace to cause the consumer to receive a cosmetic product having theselected cosmetic composition in a container with the customer-selectedvisible aesthetic property.

[0066] The product may be custom-configured after the customer's orderis received, or, alternatively, various combinations of options may bemaintained in stock so that the customer's order may be filled fromstock. Regardless, the method may provide the customer with a sense ofcustomization.

[0067] The information could be supplied, conveyed, and received in anyknown manner including any form of electronic communication, such as atelephone conversation, an e-mail message, a website on an electronicnetwork, and/or a facsimile transmission. The information could also besent via any non-electronic communication means, such as conventionalpostal delivery.

[0068] The activity for causing the consumer to receive the cosmeticproduct might include one or more of the following: placement of ashipping order, packaging of the cosmetic product, printing of ashipping label, and/or delivery to the consumer. In addition, thecustomer could be provided with an offer to purchase the product orinformation about how the product could be purchased.

[0069] The cosmetic product could be configured in the form of any ofthe cosmetic products described above and a visible portion of thecosmetic product could include material having the selected visibleaesthetic property. The method might also include engaging in activitycausing the customer to receive a separate sample of material having theselected visible aesthetic property. For example, the sample of materialcould be shipped with the cosmetic product or the sample of materialcould be shipped separately. Such a material sample might induce salesof a non-cosmetic products formed of the material.

[0070] Optionally, the method could include providing the consumer witha notification informing the consumer about an opportunity to purchasean article of clothing or other non-cosmetic product having the selectedvisible aesthetic property.

[0071]FIG. 18 shows a schematic example of a screen display associatedwith an electronic network, such as the internet, wherein the screendisplay is configured to accomplish at least some of the aspects thecosmetic product customizing method. As shown in this figure, the screendisplay includes a group of cosmetic composition selectors 402, a groupof material appearance selectors 404, a display area 406, a notificationarea 408, and an ordering selector 410.

[0072] Each cosmetic composition selector 402 may relate to a specificcosmetic composition differing from the cosmetic compositions of theother selectors 302. For example, as illustrated, each selector 402represents a different shade of foundation powder. Similarly, if thedisplay of FIG. 18 were to be configured for a particular brand name ofeye shadow, each cosmetic composition selector might be a specific colorand/or shadow of a specific eye shadow product capable of being selectedby a consumer.

[0073] Each material appearance selector 404 may relate to a materialhaving a differing visual appearance. When a user selects one of theselectors 404, the display area 406 could be configured to display animage of a cosmetic container including a visual portion with theselected material. Activation of the ordering selector 410 could causesend ordering information regarding the specific cosmetic compositionand material appearance selected by the consumer. Actions could then betaken to cause the consumer to receive the send the consumer a cosmeticproduct including the selected composition within a container includingthe selected appearance.

[0074] The notification area 408 could provide a notification about howthe consumer would be able to purchase a non-cosmetic product, such asan article of clothing, having a visible portion with materialresembling the selected pattern. The notification provided innotification area 408 could be mere written information describing atleast one brick and mortar store where the non-cosmetic product could bepurchase the non-cosmetic product. Alternatively, or in addition, thenotification area 408 could provide a link to another display area ornetwork where a consumer could obtain such information and/or purchasethe non-cosmetic product electronically. Optionally, the display area406 could be configured to display an image of the non-cosmetic productwith the selected material.

[0075] For expedience of disclosure, the invention is discussed inconnection with first and second products. It is to be understood thatthis includes two or more products. For example, a set of related and/orunrelated products may share similar visible aesthetic properties.

[0076] In the foregoing Description of Exemplary Embodiments, variousfeatures are grouped together in a single embodiment for purposes ofstreamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventionrequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Description of the ExemplaryEmbodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic product comprising: a foam core; andat least one recess formed in the foam core, the at least one recess forsurrounding and containing a cosmetic composition.
 2. The cosmeticproduct of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic composition includes a cosmeticsubstance contained within a tray.
 3. The cosmetic product of claim 1,wherein the cosmetic composition includes a cosmetic substance depositeddirectly in the at least one recess.
 4. A cosmetic product, comprising:a base formed at least partially of foam; a cover formed at leastpartially of foam; a hinge connecting the base and the cover; and atleast one recess formed in the base, the recess for surrounding andcontaining a cosmetic composition.
 5. The cosmetic product of claim 4,further comprising a cosmetic composition contained in the at least onerecess, the cosmetic composition including a cosmetic substancecontained within a tray, such that edges of the at least one recesscontact edges of the tray.
 6. The cosmetic product of claim 4, furthercomprising a cosmetic composition contained in the at least one recess,the cosmetic composition including a cosmetic substance depositeddirectly in the at least one recess.
 7. The cosmetic product of claim 4,wherein the hinge is formed at least partially of foam.
 8. The cosmeticproduct of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of one of the base andthe cover is covered with a material being chosen fabric, facsimile offabric, animal skin, and imitation animal skin.
 9. The cosmetic productof claim 4, wherein the material is Lycra.
 10. The cosmetic product ofclaim 4, further comprising a mirror and a recess in the covercontaining and surrounding edges of the mirror.
 11. The cosmetic productof claim 4, further comprising a recess in the base for removablyholding a cosmetic applicator.
 12. The cosmetic product of claim 4,wherein the base and the cover each have a portion of a fastener locatedthereon, the fastener for selectively securing the cover to the base.13. The cosmetic product of claim 4, further including a snap having afirst portion and a second portion, the first portion being partiallyembedded within the cover, and the second portion being partiallyembedded within the base.
 14. The cosmetic product of claim 4, whereinthe hinge is integrally formed with the base and the cover.
 15. Thecosmetic product of claim 4, wherein the hinge is constructed of a foamcore covered at least partially by fabric.
 17. A cosmetic product,comprising: a base formed at least partially of foam; a cover formed atleast partially of foam; a hinge connecting the base and the cover; amaterial covering at least a portion of one of the base and the cover,the material being chosen from fabric, facsimile of fabric, animal skin,and imitation animal skin; a plurality of recess in at least one of thebase and the cover; a mirror located in a first of the plurality ofrecesses, wherein foam edges of the first recess surround and containthe mirror; a cosmetic composition contained in a second of theplurality of recesses, wherein foam edges of the second recess surroundand contain the cosmetic composition; and a fastener for selectivelysecuring the cover in a closed position.
 18. The cosmetic product ofclaim 17, wherein the cosmetic composition includes a cosmetic substancefor application to an external portion of a body and a tray for holdingthe cosmetic material, and wherein the edges of the second recesssurround and contain the tray.